Is Opening Ashen Chests Worth It in Sea of Thieves? A Pirate’s Guide
In the unpredictable world of Sea of Thieves, pirates are constantly faced with choices: fight or flight, alliances or betrayals, and, perhaps most relevantly, whether to crack open that tempting Ashen Chest or simply sell it as is. The answer to the question, “Is opening Ashen Chests worth it?” isn’t a straightforward “yes” or “no.” It depends heavily on your goals, current situation, and a healthy dose of pirate risk assessment. While selling the chest unopened provides a guaranteed 5 Doubloons, the potential rewards inside – specifically, the Tomes – can unlock valuable cosmetics and additional Doubloons, albeit with some grinding involved.
Understanding Ashen Chests and Keys
What are Ashen Chests?
Ashen Chests are special containers found throughout the Sea of Thieves, often obtained through Ashen Key Master skeleton fights, Ashen Guardian encounters, or purchased as part of an Ashen Key Stash Voyage from Larinna. These chests are always locked and require an Ashen Key to open.
What are Ashen Keys?
Ashen Keys are needed to unlock Ashen Chests. They can be acquired similarly to Ashen Chests: defeating Ashen Key Masters, or purchasing the Ashen Key Stash Voyage from Larinna, who resides outside every Tavern.
The Doubloon Dilemma: Sell or Open?
The core question revolves around the value proposition. Here’s a breakdown:
- Selling Unopened: A guaranteed 5 Doubloons. Quick, easy, and risk-free. Perfect if you need a small, immediate Doubloon boost.
- Opening with a Key: Potential for Tomes (of Curses, Power, Fire, or Deeds). These Tomes are sold to Larinna for Doubloons and contribute towards commendations that unlock Ashen Dragon cosmetics.
The Math of Tomes and Cosmetics
Each Ashen Chest contains one Tome. There are five Tomes in each category (Curses, Power, Fire, and Deeds).
- Selling a Tome: Each Tome sold grants Doubloons. The amount varies, but is typically more than the 5 Doubloons you’d get for selling the chest unopened.
- Unlocking Cosmetics: Certain Ashen Dragon cosmetics require you to sell a specific number of Tomes from each category. For example, unlocking the Hat of the Ashen Dragon requires completing the commendation associated with selling a certain number of Tome of Curses I.
When Opening Makes Sense
- Cosmetic Goals: If you’re aiming to acquire the Ashen Dragon cosmetic set, opening Ashen Chests and collecting Tomes is the only way to unlock those items. The grind can be lengthy, but the rewards are visually impressive.
- Doubloon Farming: While selling unopened chests provides a baseline Doubloon income, consistently acquiring and selling Tomes can generate a larger Doubloon yield in the long run.
- Reaper’s Bones Emissary: Selling the Ashen Chest and the Tomes contained within as a Reaper’s Bones Emissary grants extra Doubloons and increased Emissary Grade.
When Selling Makes Sense
- Doubloon Urgency: If you need a quick 5 Doubloons to purchase a voyage or cosmetic, selling the unopened chest is a swift solution.
- Key Scarcity: Ashen Keys can be more difficult to acquire than Ashen Chests. If you’re low on keys and don’t want to spend the Doubloons on an Ashen Key Stash Voyage, selling the chest conserves resources.
- Time Constraints: Opening chests, selling Tomes, and navigating between islands takes time. If you have limited playtime, a quick sale might be the most efficient option.
Factors to Consider
- Key Acquisition Cost: The Ashen Key Stash Voyage costs Doubloons. Factor this cost into your decision-making process. Is the potential return from the Tomes worth the voyage price?
- Risk vs. Reward: Hunting for Ashen Key Masters and Ashen Guardians can be dangerous. Weigh the risks of these encounters against the potential rewards from the chests.
- Inventory Space: Tomes take up inventory space. If you’re already hauling a significant amount of loot, selling unopened chests might be more practical.
- Server State: Keep an eye on the server. If there are aggressive pirates, selling the chest is the less risky play.
The Verdict
Opening Ashen Chests is generally more worthwhile than selling them if you are seeking Ashen Dragon cosmetics or are actively grinding for Doubloons. However, selling unopened chests is a viable option for quick Doubloons or when keys are scarce.
Ultimately, the decision is yours, Captain. Weigh the factors, consider your priorities, and make the choice that best suits your pirate adventure. Remember, Sea of Thieves is all about the journey, not just the destination (or the Doubloons). The Games Learning Society can help players understand the game’s mechanics and make more informed decisions. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org for more insights.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ashen Chests
1. Can I sell an Ashen Chest without opening it?
Yes, you can sell Ashen Chests both locked and unlocked to Larinna for 5 Doubloons. You can also sell them to The Servant of the Flame at the Reaper’s Hideout for Doubloons and Reaper’s Bones Reputation and Emissary Value.
2. How do I get Ashen Keys?
Ashen Keys can be obtained by defeating Ashen Key Masters, or by purchasing an Ashen Key Stash Voyage from Larinna.
3. Are Ashen Chest voyages worth it?
Ashen Chest voyages can be worth it if you want to guarantee finding an Ashen Key. However, the cost of the voyage may not always justify the value of the chest and its contents.
4. What loot can I find inside Ashen Chests?
Ashen Chests contain one Tome, which can be from the following categories: Curses, Power, Fire, or Deeds.
5. Where is the best place to sell Ashen Chests?
You can sell Ashen Chests to Larinna at any Outpost Tavern or to The Servant of the Flame at The Reaper’s Hideout. Selling them to The Servant of the Flame as a Reaper’s Bones Emissary will earn you more Doubloons, Reputation, and Emissary Value.
6. What are Tomes used for?
Tomes are sold to Larinna for Doubloons and are required to unlock commendations that grant access to exclusive Ashen Dragon cosmetics.
7. Are there different types of Ashen Chests?
There is a variety of Ashen Chests, however, their contents are identical. The Ashen Seafarer’s Chest is a regular Seafarer’s Chest with an Ashen Aesthetic.
8. Can I sell the loot inside an Ashen Chest to the Gold Hoarders?
No, the Tomes found inside Ashen Chests can only be sold to Larinna.
9. Can I open an Ashen Seafarer’s Chest with an Ashen Key?
No, the Ashen Seafarer’s Chest cannot be opened with an Ashen Key. It can only be unlocked with a Skeleton Key or sold to the Gold Hoarders.
10. What are the Ashen Dragon cosmetics?
The Ashen Dragon cosmetics are a set of clothing, equipment, and ship cosmetics that can be unlocked by selling Tomes and completing commendations.
11. Can I buy Ashen Keys directly?
No, you cannot buy Ashen Keys directly. You can purchase the Ashen Key Stash Voyage from Larinna, which will guarantee finding one.
12. Is it better to sell the Tome immediately or wait until I have a full set?
This depends on your goals. Selling immediately provides a steady income of Doubloons. Waiting to sell a full set of a specific Tome type can help you progress faster towards unlocking specific cosmetics.
13. How much is the Ashen Winds Skull worth?
At a minimum, the Ashen Winds Skull is worth 2,000 gold. The less charge the Ashen Winds Skull has in it, the less it is worth.
14. Can I sell the Gold Hoarder’s Skull to the Reapers?
Yes, the Gold Hoarder’s Skull can be sold to The Servant of the Flame at The Reaper’s Hideout for gold.
15. What is the rarest chest in Sea of Thieves?
The Box of Wondrous Secrets is considered the rarest treasure chest in Sea of Thieves.
Choosing wisely will help you become a successful pirate. You can learn more about games and learning on the Games Learning Society website. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org today!